Submitted by
Mr.E.D.
a Weekend Warrior
from St-Polycarpe,By the sea Date Reviewed: October 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
mine
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Le Suroit
Strengths:
This is a review on my complete dual control system(775's).Just the best way to go.Need to understand how a gear system (open system,meaning=chain+derailleur and efficent ratio's)works.When you figure how to shift you become faster.I am proof of this.
Weaknesses:
the main weakness is called "case 18" wich is usually between the seat and the handle bars.LOL.I bit the bullet when I purchased the first generation (the ugly one's).Was not convince on my first few rides but ended gatting the second generation of XTR,sold them after a year to a friend and he was a die hard "grit-sh.t" fan...he went all the way=full XTR.Then I got the latest XT's(775)cause they offer double down shifts.
Similar Products Used:
nothing cause only shimano has this amazing set up(I don't get paid to right this)
Bike Setup:
all shimano,come see it at the shop I work at.Le Suroit in Dorion
Bottom Line:
I read to many bad reviews from the same persons and I think they critisize from ignorance of knowledge, nothing is perfect,live and learn and read instuction manuals.I love my Mistress,going riding now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Senor StrongBad
a Cross Country Rider
from Spartanburg, SC, USA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
South Side
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cambria.com
Strengths:
Easy to set-up and powerful squeek free stopping. Look good with my color scemes.
Weaknesses:
not as good looking as the Magura Marta SL Red.
Similar Products Used:
non so far.
Bike Setup:
Pivot mach 5 frame, Revelation dual air shock. X.O drive train. Crossmax SX wheels. Thomson Stem and Seat post. WTB Rocket SLT saddle. Ritchey WCS riser Bars. XT Crankset and XT M775 brakes. Time Attac Z pedals. Kenda Nevegal and Small block 8 tires. Ergon Grips. Chris King head-set.
Bottom Line:
I have the best bike in all of South Carolina. So naturally I wanted the best brakes on it. I got the XT's and havent looked back. They were very easy to set-up and bleed. Anyone with a 140 IQ should have no problem with the set-up. They stop on a dime and have good modulation and stroke. It is quick and easy to set-up the lever reach and dial in the stroke. They are easier to set-up then my BB7's and BB5's. Only thing I wish is that they came in red to match the other parts of my bike. I am so impressed with these brakes that I am going to get another pair for my Cannondale and for my wifes bike. If you are looking to get the Avid elixir CR's or the Magura Marta SL's, then get these, you will not be disapointed with how great they work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sxy
a Racer
from Slovenia, EU Date Reviewed: September 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bike-discount.de kol
Strengths:
Decent power, easy to change pads, easy to push the pistons back into the caliper, easier service than my previous HFX9. Good modulation.
Weaknesses:
easy to overheat (I wish it used DOT instead of mineral oil - higher boiling point), a bit too soft feel on the lever for my taste.
After 1 month of use I've overheated the front brake (160mm rotor) on a bit longer, but otherwise "nothing special" descent. It smelt of burned plastic, lost most of the braking power, lever went almost completely to the bars. Now, after 3rd month of use the lateral piston (on front brake) became sluggish and no cleaning and oiling will help it. It looks like I'll have to change the piston, and I'm not particularly happy with it! (I had to change the pistons on my old HFX9 after 3 years of abuse!)
Similar Products Used:
hayes HFX9 - not the best brake ever made, but surely one of the most reliable. (ran it with too few oil, first brake only, it also worked with completely used pads - in emergency cases)
Bike Setup:
C f600 05", xm819d, sapim race and XT775 hubs, lots of other components have been swapped.. the rotors are the latest shimano XT centerlock ones (the ones with 5-arm spider)
Bottom Line:
Good brake with nice modulation, but somewhat less reliable on long descents (mineral oil can't compare to good DOT 5.1 oil when the brake starts to overheat). I've swapped the front rotor for 185mm one because of the overheating issue and now the overheating has gone. It has a bit too flexy lever for my taste. Also I'm a bit angry with the quality of the pistons seals because the faulty one won't hold the oil completely (take the pads out of the caliper and put that plastic yellow "maintanance block" inside and press the lever a bit harder - and if micro quantites of dirty oil comes on side of the caliper, then you need new seals) after that loss-of-power-due-to-overheating-event.. You also have to take into account the low price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D1PHAM
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
www.ebay.com
Strengths:
-Great lever feel and adjustability.
-Easy to setup.
-Top removal of pads.
-Easy to bleed.
-Good modulation.
Weaknesses:
-MSRP.
-Bulky levers.
-Soft lever feel.
-Average stopping power (160 F/R).
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy 7's, Hayes Stroker Trails
Bike Setup:
08 Giant Anthem 0
Bottom Line:
Great set of brakes if you can get them at a decent price. Set it and forget it type of brakeset. Probably the best lever set I've ever used, very comfortable and adjustable. Stopping power leaves sometime to be desired. Levers can feel a little soft from time to time, maybe a bleed will sort this out. I still prefer my Hayes Stoker Trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
olijay
a Cross Country Rider
from Reykjavik Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
-Amazing performance after the burn in period
-Fit and forget, haven't had to adjust them once in 3 months
-Reach adjustment is a neat feature
Weaknesses:
-Can experience brake fade after a long, demanding ride
-Some noise in the wet (of course) but also randomly when they are warm
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M485, Coda Expert
Bike Setup:
2000 Cannondale F900SX, XT rear der, lefty.
Bottom Line:
I got these as a replacement for an old, old set of 1-piston Coda hydro brakes and the performance difference is incredible. I have a set of entry level Shimano hydros on another bike and they don't hold a candle to these.
I use them with Hope Mini rotors and I have had some great luck with them, they remain true and the performance is great.
I'd recommend this to anyone as a good upgrade from old or entry level brakes, you won't be disappointed!
I give them 4 chilis for value, from what I hear the SLX model is pretty much just as good, but heavier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronald
a Cross Country Rider
from Castricum Date Reviewed: July 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Schoorl
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good modulation, strong stopping power, easy to install
Weaknesses:
None sofar
Similar Products Used:
CODA, Shimano XT755 (2001-2008), Avid juicy 5
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Carbon rush 4 - 2008
Bottom Line:
After problems with the Avid Juicy brakes switched to XT disc brakes. As good experience with former XT brakes choosen for XT2009 discbrakes.
Best change ever. With the 180 mm discs (front -rear) very good stopping power, good modulation. Avid eat yuor heart out. Pads have good resistance to wear, with 2 weeks Alps still going strong.
I highly recommend these brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
strglide
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
BlueSkyCycling.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, easy to install, easy to bleed, easy to replace pads, easy to adjust lever reach and pad contact. Uses mineral oil. Great feel and modulation. Very progressive action due to Servo-wave technology. Delivers more power yet delivers a soft feel when you need to scrub some speed. No on-off feeling.
Weaknesses:
Adjustment for lever free stroke adjustment doesn't seem to make any adjustment making the feature seems useless.
Similar Products Used:
Avid BB-7 Mechanical discs
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
I first built my bike with Avid BB-7 mechanical discs. The Avid BB-7 is a terrific brake. Over the winter I decided to upgrade to hydraulic brakes for a smoother feel while braking. The Shimano BR-M775 brake set delivers. However, you can get the same bang for less money by going with Shimano SLX BR-M665. The difference seems to be the free stroke adjustment feature is on the XT and not on the SLX. I can't get any noticeable adjustment out of my XT free stroke adjustment anyway so I can't see that as a benefit.
Overall...Great fit, feel, and modulation. No special tools are required to bleed the brakes and they use mineral oil which will not damage paint. An excellent product despite the non-working free stroke adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PDUB74
a Cross Country Rider
from THousand Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Win's Wheels
Strengths:
Excellent Lever feel, simple setup and adjustments, Servo-Wave is back!
Weaknesses:
metallic pads, rotors not included.
Similar Products Used:
Avid Juicy, older XTs (755), Avid BB7...
Bike Setup:
29er hardtail, 160mm rotors, organic brake pads
Bottom Line:
This is the best disc brake I've ever used! Just squeeze the lever in your local shop and you'll notice how different it feels from all the mushy options out there. Power is great even on a 29er - I can truely use one finger; and modulation is perfect. The metallic pads started squeeling immediately soi swapped in the organic pads. It took a couple of rides to brake in the pads, but now that is done they are excellent. Adjustments are simple and the Servo-Wave pivot form the older v-brake levers is back and works great! Expect to pay $250 per wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sergdji
a Cross Country Rider
from Russia Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
earh
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doriann
a Downhiller
from uk Date Reviewed: December 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
long and fast
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
merlincycles
Strengths:
great stoping power...altho you have to use them intensly for 10-15 minutes if new.
great modulation....
and it will flip you over if you "slam the brakes"
Weaknesses:
a bit noisy in the wet....but thats prolly only the organic pads...
Similar Products Used:
avid
Bike Setup:
HT full xt
Bottom Line:
great brakes with incredible braking power
easy to bleed...altho i preffer doing it the other way around rather than what shimano tells you to do in the manual....
i usualy loos the bleeding bolt....and then tight it back...with my fingers...that way fluid will go through it only when the leaver is pulled....
then i do the bleeding process like shimano sais only that i take the caliper and hold it higher than the handle....this way all the bubbles will go with the fluid flaw....and with fizics help...i try to turn the caliper on all sides just to make sure all the air is out...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mikebravo
a Cross Country Rider
from Hemet ca Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
hurkey creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Great modulation. Quite operation
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Avid juicy 5. Avid mechanical. Shimano Deore
Bike Setup:
08 Stumpjumer. Full XT including wheelset. XTR rotors 180 front - 160 rear
Bottom Line:
I love these brakes.Perfect cross-country setup. Got them pre-bled with XT dual control levers. Had to rebleed and add a longer 1700mm hose for the rear, Stock 1400mm too short. Great on technical decents and better than Avid juicy 5 on fast paved decents in excess of 40 mph. Have yet to experience any heat fade probaly due to the 180/160 rotor setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Blabbing
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
EBay, September 19 s
Strengths:
Modulation (on a scale of 10 I give them an 11)
Ease of setup and bleeding (10)
No pad rubbing (9)
Weaknesses:
Lack of power and any real bite (7)
Stock "resin" pads
Similar Products Used:
Avid 1D 20 V's (almost as much power as these XT discs)
Avid SD 5 V's (not as good as the old 1D 20)
Sram 9.0 V's (very overrated, about the same as the SD 5's)
Original XT V's (most powerful V's I've ever tried, at speeds below 20 mph even more powerful than current XT discs)
1996 XT V's (what the heck happened? Tons of squealing and poor power)
Original Avid mechanical discs (Pretty good power, but both power and modulation less than current XT discs)
2006 Avid BB7 discs (good, grabby power, but poor modulation at slow speeds)
Hayes 9 XC (better modulation and feel than BB7's, but only slightly better high-speed power and less low speed power)
ALL DISC SETUPS USED 6" ROTORS
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant STP 1, I weigh about 200 lbs. with all my gear
Bottom Line:
The perfect brake would have all these:
1. Power
2. Modulation
3. Ease of setup/bleeding and no need for stupid proprietary bleeding kits (boo Avid, you can at least jerry-rig Hayes)
4. Comes with discs and all adapters (boo Hayes and Formula, kudos to Avid)
5. No noise (boo to Avid)
6. Long enough lines (boo to almost everybody)
7. No pad dragging
8. Reasonable price (Hopes and Magura Louise are just too up there)
So, my biggest peeve with these brakes is the lack of power. I'm not impressed. Yes, I am using 6" rotors. BTW, I did not get the Shimano rotors ($250 was everything but the rotors, to my door) but started with my Hayes V6's. Switched to Avid Roundagons (they have less cutouts) and increased power by 10-15%. Then, swapped front pads with OBE (Ebay) sintered pads and gained another 10%. Even still, these are not brakes that will "flip me on flat ground." Maybe if I'm already angled 30 deg. downhill, they will, but the power just isn't there.
Having said all this, I cannot rave enough about the modulation. These brakes are super controllable, perhaps TOO controllable (hint: at a certain point, modulation is at the expense of power). Also, I don't need any stupid bleed kit to set these up. If you buy Avid's, just tack $40 on for the bleed kit. When I think of all the headaches I could have with other brakes, I'm actually pretty happy with these XT's. I'd rather upgrade my front rotor to get the power WHILE keeping almost every other excellent trait these brakes have. They score high on points 2 - 8, concerning point 6 September-19 sent me a hose kit so I could assemble my brakes, myself (I run my brakes moto, i.e. right lever/front brake), and I didn't cut any hose for the rear brake, and my bike is not long. Hmmm...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slow1
a Weekend Warrior
from Youngstown,OH,USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Ebay - Sept 19th tha
Strengths:
Easy set up and bleed. Great modulation and strength.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Suppose it could be lighter, but who cares.
Similar Products Used:
Old shimano 4 piston, shims suck. Avid BB7 the old ones were great but the 2008 suck.
Bike Setup:
Titus Hammerhead with ever changing parts list
Bottom Line:
Great brake that won't break the bank.
Never squeaks, never rubs with easy adjustments.
I had BB7s in the past as I didn't want to mess with hydraulics, but eventually made the switch and won't look back. Previous shimano brake was a pain as you had to add washers to adjust the caliper, and it always seemed like the brake would rub when you went in the trail. These new ones have easy caliper adjustments (like avid) which makes adjustment a breeze.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yetiox
a Downhiller
from Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
actionsports
Strengths:
Power - regulations
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
XTR,XT 2007
Bike Setup:
Scott gambler custom
Bottom Line:
Super!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pushinpixels
a Downhiller
from Calgary Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Race of Spades
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Incredible stopping power, great modulation, low maintenance. Shimano did a great job redesigning these brakes.
Weaknesses:
Adaptors to fit my VP Free frame and Fox 40 fork were $120!!! Brake squeal at lower speeds.
Similar Products Used:
HFX-9, Juicy 7.
Bike Setup:
VP Free, Freeride/DH parts.
Bottom Line:
These were recomended by everyone at Bow Cycle, I can see why, XC weight and amazing stopping power, Even at 250 lbs I can stop quickly. If you can't afford Hopes go with these. It puts my all of my friends Avid Juicy 7's to shame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beamer64
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Very nice feeling brakes. Brake handles are nice too. This is the best brake I have used so far. I am usually XTR. This XT does circles around my previous XTR's
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano XT's, XTR's.
Bike Setup:
'07 Santa Cruz Blur w/Nitrous
Bottom Line:
I've had alot of Shimano brakes over the years. I bought the Blur with Avid Juicy 7's. Had major fading and squealing issues with the brakes. Tried everything including Voodoo to tune these brakes. Put these '08 XT's on and back in business. The only other brakes I will ever use would be Hopes..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adamant
a Cross Country Rider
from CO Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mtn Goat UPS Portal
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
works great every time; no sticky piston issue; stronger stopping power compared to XTR m965 or XT m765 calipers
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
XTR m965 and XT m765 (extensive); Avid Juicy (limited)
Bike Setup:
2008 Enduro SL
Bottom Line:
These brakes work great. More stopping power compared to XTR m965 calipers. I have no issues with the new XT calipers. ****If you have any piston stick w/XTR calipers, use Isopropyl Alcohol ($1 at grocery store) to clean the pistons. XT works better then XTR at half the cost!
First day on these was lift-service riding. I was impressed. Now with the rotors and pads burned in, the performance is even better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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